“RIP to Drake Maye’s MVP candidacy”: NFL fans react as Patriots QB throws pick-6 to Bengals DB Geno Stone

New England Patriots star Drake Maye has been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL this season. While there have been many who are calling for Maye to win the MVP award, the Patriots QB didn't cover himself in glory in the first half against the Carolina Panthers in Week 12 on Sunday.

In the second quarter, Maye threw a pick-six to Bengals defensive back Geno Stone, which extended Cincinnati's lead to 10-0 at the time. Fans on social media made a big deal of Maye's rough start to the game.

"RIP to Drake Maye’s MVP candidacy," one tweeted.

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"Don’t ever compare him to the real number 10," another added. "Tears this yall mvp," a third commented.

Here are a few more reactions.

"Cam Newton was right about the Fools Gold?!" one wrote. "Drake isn’t being tuff rn," another added. "AND PEOPLE WAS SAYING HE BETTER THAN JD5 ????" a user tweeted.

Despite trailing early in the game, the Patriots bounced back strongly to take a 17-13 lead against Cincinnati at halftime.

Maye also got better during the game, and threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Henry later in the second quarter.

Drake Maye has led the Patriots to an eight-game win streak heading into Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season

New England Patriots v QB Drake Maye - Source: Getty

The Patriots entered Week 12 on a nine-game win streak, led by their superstar QB Maye. At 9-2 entering its matchup against Cincinnati, New England is leading the AFC East.

The Begnals, on the other hand, entered Week 12 on the back of three straight losses.

Despite Maye's pick-6, the Patriots were able to recover and take a lead into halftime. New England will be aiming to extend its winning run by seeing the game out against the Bengals in the second half.

Edited by Arnold